Friday, December 4, 2015 –
FORT MCCOY, Wis. - Army Reserve Soldiers and civilians of the 88th Regional Support Command bid farewell to Maj. Gen. Karen Ledoux and welcomed in Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Reinert as their new commanding general during a change of command ceremony on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Dec. 4.
Maj. Gen. Peter Lennon, U.S. Army Reserve commanding general for support, presided over the ceremony and served as the continuity of leadership between the outgoing and incoming commanders during the symbolic passing of the colors.
“Today is a day we celebrate two great leaders – we celebrate an organization, we celebrate our country,” said Lennon. “It’s also a day to say thank you. Thank you to the organization, thank you to the Soldiers, civilians, contractors, and the families who support them to make this country great.”
LeDoux, who had served as the 88th RSC commanding general for the past three years, paid tribute to the command’s Soldiers and civilians who have made it successful.
“During my tenure as the 88th RSC commander, I have truly been blessed to be surrounded by such energetic, focused and proficient leaders, civilians and Soldiers,” said Ledoux. “Any achievement that I have had is due to your hard work and efforts – and it has truly been my pleasure to serve together and enable readiness for our Army Reserve units.”
“Command is always a privilege and commanding the 88th RSC has been my honor,” said Ledoux. “Today I am proud to be followed in command by a Soldier’s Soldier, Maj. Gen. Patrick Reinert.”
Reinert took command of the 88th RSC acknowledging the complex world we live in and the necessity to having an Army Reserve which is ready to answer the nation’s call whenever needed.
“This command is central to creating and sustaining readiness of the 55,000 Soldiers and 633 units in our 19 state region,” said Reinert. “We are a critical component to readiness – and I know we are up to the challenge.”
Reinert concluded by making clear that the 88th RSC’s true focus remains on enabling the U.S. Army Reserve to meet America’s requirements at home and abroad.
“Together we can ensure our supported units are ready, accessible and available for any contingency anywhere to complement the active Army and joint force,” said Reinert. ”I look forward to meeting this challenge with all of you. All standing orders remain in effect.”